A West Dorset group which was the first rural community responder group in the country is this week celebrating 15 years of providing round-the-clock emergency cover.

Thorncombe First Responders were set up in 1998 by Rosemary Walley, MBE, who was the village postmistress at the time.

Since getting started, the group has been on call 24/7, ready to go to the assistance of anybody in need of an ambulance.

The responders have been called out more than 600 times to people in need.

Several lives have been saved, and many given emergency life support and treatment.

Rosemary Walley is now retiring from her role as co-ordinator and treasurer, and has become president of the group.

It was Rosemary’s determination to improve emergency cover in the parish that brought the First Responders into existence.

In 1997 the rural area on the Dorset and Somerset border was covered by Dorset Ambulance service, with Bridport the nearest station.

The ambulance there could be out on another call, especially at night, and this sometimes resulted in waiting times of up to an hour.

Rosemary persuaded Dorset Ambulance to set up the group, providing training and communications.

Treasurer Richard Hold said: “We became the first rural community responder group in the country. As well as basic first aid, we received training in the use of a defibrillator, oxygen, and advanced resuscitation techniques. The ambulance service dispatcher would call us for any 999 call within the local area, and we then went to deliver what help we could.

“Our first vehicle was provided by the Post Office, and the British Heart Foundation helped with our first defibrillator. Since we started, the Responders have received enormous support from the community, which has enabled us to continue to provide good cover.”

Mr Holt said that the merger of Dorset and West Country Ambulance into the new South Western Ambulance Service Trust had made a marked difference.

He said: “The parish is now supported by the ambulance stations at Axminster and Ilminster, and there are many more rapid response vehicles to answer calls.”

In 2003 Thorncombe First Responders were honoured with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award for voluntary services to the community, and a small group were invited to Buckingham Palace.

The same weekend our West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin invited the group to visit him at the Palace of Westminster and take tea in the Pugin Room.

“He has been a great champion for the group and we value his support,” added Mr Holt.